Lament over Babylon

9 Then the kings of the earth who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her will weep and wail at the sight of the smoke [rising] from the fire that consumes her.[fn]

10 In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance [and] cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For [in] a single hour your judgment has come.”

11 And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, because [there is] no one left to buy their cargo—12 cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; [of] fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet; of all kinds of citron wood and every article of ivory, precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; 13 of cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; of wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; of cattle, sheep, horses, and carriages; of bodies and souls of [slaves].

14 And [they will say]:[fn] “The fruit of your soul’s desire has departed from you; all [your] luxury and splendor have vanished never to be [seen] [again].”

15 The merchants who sold these things [and] gained their wealth from her will stand at a distance, in fear of her torment. They will weep and mourn,

16 saying: “Woe, woe to the great city, clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls!

17 For [in] a single hour such fabulous wealth has been destroyed!” Every shipmaster, passenger and sailor, and all who make their living from the sea, will stand at a distance 18 and cry out at the sight of the smoke [rising] from the fire that consumes her. “What [city was ever] like [this] great city?” they will exclaim.

19 Then they will throw dust on their heads as they weep and mourn and cry out “Woe, woe to the great city, [where] all who had ships on the sea were enriched by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been destroyed.”

20 Rejoice over her, O heaven, and [you] saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced for you [His] judgment against her.